George Singleton tells of the many 'mysteries of that old full moon'

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “The mysteries of that old full moon are many” was originally published in the July 26, 2001 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

During the first few days of July, during the time of the full moon, I had a couple of telephone calls asking me just what I thought about the effect the moon has on the life of man on this planet, if any.

I suppose that there is more mystery about this satellite affecting the human life within this universe than any others, other than perhaps the sun. True, we have landed man on the moon, but there are many mysteries about it that we yet do not understand.

Since man first began to look into the heavens, he has been fascinated by the mysteries of this silvery disk high in the heavens. Man has adjusted and patterned many of his life cycles to coincide with the moon and its path across the heavens.

He has built great monuments and temples to show his affection for this glowing round ball of the night. He has given much of his time and resources to try and walk on its surface. He has spent lifetimes studying its effects on himself and his surroundings. Every 29-1/2 days, this silver planet revolves around our planet earth. During this period of time, many things happen within our lives that we do not understand and know absolutely nothing about.

During this period, the moon changes form. These periods are known to us as the time of the new moon, the half moon, the full moon and the old or dying moon. Each period, in its own way, has different effects on man’s day-to-day existence. Many wars have been started because some of the great leaders of the past looked to the moon for signs of guidance and direction.

Many of the early war lords of biblical times believed that during the time of the full moon their armies were more bold and less fearful. They believed that men feared death less when the full glowing disk floated across the heavens. They also believed that their war horses could run faster and farther during this time period.

It was quite common to plan major battles and invasions of enemy cities during the time of the full moon. Throughout history, those who practiced human sacrifice believed that these ceremonies should be held when the moon was at its fullest.

Throughout the ages, the wandering tribes of early man believed that the signs of the moon were instrumental in their survival. Under certain signs, the time to fish or to hunt for the food they needed reaped greater harvests than at other times.

Those who looked to our mother earth knew that there was a time for planting and a time for gathering, depending on the signs of the moon. Until recent years, no country farmer would dare plant his crops unless the signs of the moon were right.

Today, with our so-called modern-day technology, many of our farmers have lost contact with the signs of the past and pay little or no heed to them. They don’t believe, as they sit in their air-conditioned tractors, that crops grow faster and produce more per acre if they are planted during the right stages of the moon.

Few of us today believe that the tides of the ocean are caused by gravitational pull of the moon. Few give any thought to the fact that during certain signs of the moon more people pass from this life than during other times. More children are born during the time of the full moon, especially those who have waited to arrive beyond that certain time span.

The old moon has cured many cases of anxiety when that designated time of arrival has come and gone for that new baby. Then, a day or two later, a full moon appears in the heavens above and the one that is overdue, appears within our midst.

When man is on the prowl for that perfect mate, he talks with more ease and assurance during the time when the moon is full. His boldness during this time is at its peak. His ability to whisper those sweet nothings comes with less effort.

Our experts tell us that the crime rate within our society is greater during the time when the moon is full. The homicide rate is almost twice that of other times during the period when our moon is the fullest.

Police records tell us that during this time many seem to throw all caution to the wind and run rampant through our communities and cities, committing serious crimes in greater numbers.

Even though man has explored the old moon and has walked on its surface, it hasn’t lost any of its luster and none of its mystery. Even now, man still gazes in awe toward the heavens and wonders of the mystery there.

As I wander around the countryside and from time to time view the full moon, I feel the wonders that are yet to be discovered there. As I look to the heavens on those moonlight nights, I draw strength from that wonder that the Creator has placed there.

Next time when the full moon is high and its silvery beams cause you to feel a little different, raise your arms to the heavens and give the call of the wild. You will be surprised by how much better it will make you feel and you will marvel at the ease with which you did it. I know, I have been there, more times than you could guess.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School, served in the Korean War, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from 1964 to 1987. For years, Singleton’s column “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. Some of his earlier columns also appeared under the heading of “Monroe County History: Did You Know?” He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)